How to Write a Needs Statement - Part 3

Ivan Walsh provides this week's guest article. 

Before we start, you must read these two detailed tutorials on how to write a Needs Statement over here and here.

FYI: You can download a Grant template here; download a Needs Statement template here; and download a Proposal template here.

Click here to Download your Needs Statement Template - MS Word

You can also use this exercise to help you focus your business writing, especially when writing your Needs Statement documents.

1. What is the Problem?

Identify what is the problem and how your project will address it?

Reduce this to one sentence.

Keep it as simple as possible. This is the theme around which your Needs Statement document must be written.

Use this as the axis around which all supporting arguments are built. Remove anything that dilutes or takes away from this point.

2. Where is the Gap?

Explain what is currently missing.

How will your proposal solve the problem?

Use references, stats, charts, examples, and other support to back up your arguments.

Keep emphasizing that 1) this is the problem and 2) this is how I will address each requirement.

Back up your claims with proven examples that demonstrate your track record.

Demonstrating your track record builds credibility.

3. How are your going to fix it?

Confirm that you understand the funder’s guidelines. Identify your goals, what you understand as the scope, and then break out the costs, resources, and schedule.

How will you approach this IF you were to get the funding?

Looking for business templates?

There is a Grant template here; Needs Statement template here; and Proposal template here.

Business Case Template

Case Study Template

Cost Benefit Analysis Template

Needs Problem Statement Template

These are a few guidelines for writing your Needs Statement.

You can drill down into more detail later or cross-reference other supporting documents. However, there may be better ways to do this.

What have I missed?

For example, are there barriers to service based on other factors, such as logistics, transport, cultural issues?

Is the structure of a Needs Statement different in the business world than, for example, in local government or in the academic world?

About Ivan

Ivan Walsh is a freelance technical writer. You can read more of his articles at www.ivanwalsh.com

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PS: Use this Needs Statement template to:

• Help Project Stakeholders understands why investment is required to address this business need.
• Identify an idea that may require an investment
• Provide information to justify whether or not your organization should move forward with the development of a Business Case.

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Supports Microsoft Word from 2002, 2003, 2007 and works across Windows 97, 2003, XP, Vista and Apple Mac. 

Q: What file formats are the templates?

A: Microsoft Word. 

Q: How soon can I download them?

A: You can download the file instantly. After you pay online, you are sent to a page where you can download the template online.

A: You can read the License Agreement here

Need to know more?

Email me at ivan at klariti dot com and I'll get back to you within 24 hours.